Numbers 29:11 - one male goat for a sin offering; besides the sin offering of atonement, and the continual burnt offering, and its meal offering, and their drink offerings.

Generated Verse: Numbers 29:11

What does "Numbers 29:11" mean?


This verse, Numbers 29:11, outlines a specific requirement within the context of the Old Testament sacrificial system, particularly related to the observance of certain festivals or holy days. Let's break down its meaning piece by piece:

"One male goat for a sin offering..." This specifies that, in addition to other offerings, a single male goat was to be sacrificed as a sin offering. A sin offering was a type of sacrifice made to atone for unintentional sins or ritual impurities. It was seen as a way to purify the people and the sanctuary from defilement. The animal's blood was often used in a ritual cleansing process.

"...besides the sin offering of atonement..." This part can be a bit confusing. To understand, we need to know which specific festival or holy day this verse is referring to within Numbers 29. The phrase "sin offering of atonement" is a general reference to the sin offering made on the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur). Numbers 29, particularly the verses surrounding verse 11, outlines sacrifices to be made on the Feast of Trumpets (Rosh Hashanah) and the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot). The significance here is that the sin offering mentioned in verse 11 is an additional sin offering that is required in addition to the already prescribed sin offering on the Day of Atonement which had already taken place during that religious year. This helps us understand that a sin offering was needed for the various festivals and for any sin that may have occurred throughout the religious year.

"...and the continual burnt offering..." The "continual burnt offering" (also known as the daily burnt offering) was a sacrifice that was offered every morning and evening in the Tabernacle (and later the Temple). It was a lamb sacrificed to God as a continuous act of worship and atonement. The specific festivals required certain additional offerings along with the standard daily burnt offering.

"...and its meal offering, and their drink offerings." The "meal offering" (also known as the grain offering) was a sacrifice made of fine flour, oil, and frankincense. It was often offered alongside burnt offerings and other sacrifices. "Drink offerings" (also known as libations) were offerings of wine that were poured out as a sacrifice to God. These were also typically offered in conjunction with other sacrifices. The phrase "its meal offering, and their drink offerings" refers to the grain and wine offerings that were to accompany both the continual burnt offering and the special festival offerings, as specified elsewhere in the law.

In summary:

Verse 29:11 describes a specific requirement for offerings during certain festivals. It mandates the sacrifice of a male goat as a sin offering, in addition to the sin offering of atonement (Yom Kippur), the regular daily burnt offering, the meal offerings, and the drink offerings. The verse ensures that the proper sacrifices are made to atone for sins and maintain a right relationship with God during the specific holy days described in Numbers 29. These additional sacrifices, coupled with the daily offerings, were considered crucial for sanctifying the people and the sanctuary during these sacred times.

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